Instant Classic: Thigh-High Boots

"I'm not interested in fashion at all," Yves Saint Laurent muse Betty Catroux once said. Despite her disenchantment with trends, she sure had a way of setting them. Recall the sexy leg-hugging boots she wore to YSL's Rive Gauche store opening in 1969. They caught on with designers back then and continue to inspire a new generation for fall. Up-to-there pairs doubled as leggings at Balmain, while edgy chain-laced numbers balanced out feminine separates at Chanel. It seems that all Catroux's footwear style of choice needed was a little reboot. —Michelle Guerrere

Belle by Sigerson Morrison $550; zappos.com.

Frye $448, zappos.com.

Jeffrey Campbell $172; at Nasty Gal.

Oscar de la Renta $895; at Net-A-Porter.

Inspiration: Chanel Fall 2013

Roland Mouret $1700; at Net-A-Porter.

Stuart Weitzman $750 ; zappos.com.

DKNY $450; dkny.com for stores.

Casadei for Prabal Gurung $3,200; casadei.com for similar styles.

SECOND SKIN: Céline's royal blue form-fitting version stands in for colored tights.

Casadei $1,500; casadei.com.

Versace $3,045; Call (888) 721-7219 for stores.

Brian Atwood $2,695; (212) 415-4739.

WHITEOUT: Elongate your legs in Gianvito Rossi for Altuzarra's stark patent leather set.

$3,090 at Saks Fifth Avenue; (212) 753-4000.